Guided Nature Preserve Tours
Date(s): The 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month through November. Check the Tour Dates in the RSVP Form.
Time(s): 10:00 am (usually)
Location: Cache Creek Nature Preserve (see map)
Sponsored by: Cache Creek Conservancy
Cost: Free
History, Geography, People, Nature & Wildlife
The Cache Creek Nature Preserve has a uniquely formed landscape and history.
From prehistoric times to today, the Cache Creek Nature Preserve has played an important part in the great story of California. In these Guided Tours, you’ll learn about ancient mammals, the farmers who built levees out of the oddest things, the Wintun/Patwin People and their continuing presence here at the Preserve, and how the Nature Preserve offers meaning and hope for the future for everyone.
The tours last approximately one hour usually starting at 10 AM on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. Check the RSVP Form below for Tour Dates.
The gathering/starting point is at the large map kiosk on the north side of the parking lot.
Groups can also arrange for a custom day and time. Contact Us to coordinate.
How to Prepare
The trails are unimproved and mostly level, but some terrain is uneven, and there are three slopes and a set of stairs to climb.
In the mornings, the weather may be cool, so please dress appropriately. Be sure to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and long pants for the best protection from the elements.
Walkers are encouraged to wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and/or bug repellant as needed.
Bring your own water to drink.
Bring binoculars if you have them and your camera! If you walk softly and pay attention, you will surely see some of the wildlife that live here.
You’ll need to sign a liability waiver. You can download one HERE, and bring it with you. Or we will have them available to sign when you get here.
Tour Leaders
Elize Van Zandt
The tour was developed by Cache Creek Conservancy volunteer docent Elize Van Zandt and former Executive Director, Nancy Ullrey.
Elize Van Zandt recently moved to Woodland after 30 years as a desert dweller. She is a retired National Park Service naturalist/interpreter. Her last position was at Joshua Tree National Park, where she spent 12 years leading walks and learning and writing about the natural world of the desert.
After moving to Woodland, Elize discovered Cache Creek Nature Preserve, and began volunteering there. She believes that this move has revitalized her, as now she has a whole new set of plants and animals and ecosystems to learn about, both at Cache Creek and on hikes in the surrounding mountains.
Currently, Elize is on the Board of the Yolo-Colusa Branch of the California Native Plant Society.
When Elize is not wandering around outdoors, she likes to read and write about the natural world.
Jim Herrington
Jim has been volunteering at CCC for three years now, in the education program at first and now the docent program. He’s walked almost every inch of the Preserve.
He’s been an active outdoorsman all his life. He’s a Marine Corp Veteran who worked many years for, and retired from, the Davis School District where he was the lead for the Grounds Maintenance Crew.
He enjoyed hiking and backpacking the High Sierras for many years when he was younger. These days he loves gardening, designing interesting landscapes and reading all sorts of books.
December tours are no longer available
RSVP Here
If you need to change the date you want to come, or if you need to cancel, please Contact Us. Thank you.
You should see a form in the green box below. Please call or email if you don’t.
The Cache Creek Conservancy is a non-profit organization focused on protecting, preserving and enhancing the lower Cache Creek watershed. The Conservancy partners with Yolo County, regional aggregate companies and others to restore the creek and nature preserve.